The Rural Social Scheme (RSS) is an employment programme where participants work part-time (19.5 hours per week) in local community organisations e.g. community centres, tidy-towns groups, sports clubs etc.

In light of the budget 2016 announcement that there will be an additional 500 places made available nationally on the RSS, we are currently seeking to recruit a panel of eligible participants in the South West Mayo area. We will draw from this panel to fill any positions that become vacant, or any new positions made available to us, on the RSS over the coming year.

To be eligible to work on the RSS you must be in receipt of a specific social welfare payment, such as Farm Assist, Fish Assist or Jobseekers Allowance. You must also be linked to an active family farm or involved in the fi shing industry. The RSS is primarily aimed at the farmer or fisherman/woman in the household, but the Spouse / Partner /Brother / Sister / Daughter / Son of the farmer or Fisherman/woman may be eligible for participation on the RSS if they meet the eligibility criteria set down by the Department of Social Protection. Full details of the eligibility criteria for the RSS are outlined on our Rural Social Scheme webpage

Individuals wishing to apply for a position on the RSS panel should contact our Balla office at 094 9366692 or cconnor@southmayo.com for an Expression of Interest form.

The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2015-2017 is funded by the Irish Government and co-funded by the European Social Fund and includes a special allocation under the Youth Employment Initiative